Jeffrey Gorman Gilley

Jeffrey Gorman Gilley

November 27, 1957 – June 2, 2021

Jeffrey Gorman Gilley, 63, formerly of Athens, Georgia, died Wednesday, June 2, 2021 in Cherokee County, Alabama of natural causes. He was born in Rome, Georgia on November 27, 1957, graduated from Jacksonville State University in 1980 and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1983. The son of the late Clarence Gorman Gilley and Dorothy Slater Gilley of Summerville, Georgia, he was an accomplished attorney, historian, and outdoorsman.

Over the course of his 25-year career as a criminal defense and trial lawyer, he practiced with the deepest respect for his clients as human beings in need of counsel, the United States Constitution (a copy of which was almost always in his suit pocket), and the laws of Georgia. He served as a public defender upon graduation from law school, which led to extensive skill in criminal and civil litigation. While in Athens, he often provided legal work for many at little or no cost, including indigent clients, musical acts, and friends.

He is survived by three sons, John Porter Gilley, Samuel Cobb Gilley, Thomas Houston Gilley, of Athens, Georgia and by his stepson, Will Frame of Gainesville, Georgia. Also surviving are his sister, Carole Smith (Jim) of Versailles, Kentucky, his cousin Jan Cordle (Lann) of Summerville, nieces Ashley Keck and Andrea (Patrick) Abell, along with two great nieces, a great nephew, cousins, and many loving friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations made to Nuci’s Space, 396 Oconee St., Athens, GA 30601, an organization dedicated to ending the stigma of mental illness and alleviating the suffering for those living with a brain illness. www.nuci.org.

A memorial celebration of Jeff’s life will be held in Athens, Georgia at a later date.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.